9 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service December 24, 2022 A Service of Worship In Christ’s name, we welcome you to Eastminster. We hope that you will feel the love and peace of Christ as you worship with us. Please take this time to silence the world and focus your heart and mind on worshiping our Living God.
“So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory.” Romans 15:7. All Eastminster worship services and activities are mask optional, with masks available at the Welcome Center if you’d like one.
PRELUDE What Star Is This (puer nobis) Born in a Stable
arr. Thomas Keesecker Philip Stopford
Born in a stable in Bethlehem, Gently in manger laid, Jesus the King of the human race Grant us your holy peace. Mary and Joseph watch o’er Him there, Oxen and ass by their side; Worship together the Holy Babe, Saviour of all mankind. Far from the East there came wise men three Bearing their gifts for a King, Kneeling to Him who would save the world, Jesus the Lord of all. Though for our Saviour no room was found, Son of the Highest of all, Still in our hearts there is room for You, come with Your holy peace. Kenneth Steven
WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
Dr. Bradley D. Smith
Bob and Leslie Bethea
CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: "Good news of great joy," the angel said, "for to you a savior is born." People: "Peace on earth," the choir sang, "for God reigns in the highest." Leader: "Follow me," the star beckoned, "For Hope has been born in Bethlehem." People: As we light the Christ candle, are reminded of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Leader: Emmanuel has come and is coming. All: Come, all ye faithful, and worship God. †*CAROL
OF ADORATION #119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
*PRAYER OF ADORATION
MENDELSSOHN
Rev. Dr. Douglass D. Key
*THE NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. First Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Second Reading: Luke 2:1-7 Carol #147 The First Nowell
THE FIRST NOWELL
COMMUNION MEDITATION John 1:-5 “The Light of Life”
Rev. Dr. Bradley D. Smith
OFFERING OF TITHES & GIFTS (ALSO “MALL TO MANGER”)
OFFERTORY ANTHEM Still, Still, Still
arr. Mark Hayes
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PASSING OF THE LIGHT As “Silent Night” is being sung, the lights will be dimmed, and the pastors will light candles from the Christ Candle. The pastors will then light the ushers’ candles, and the ushers will light the candles of the first to worshipper. Please remember that the lighted candle remains upright, and the unlighted candle is tipped to be lighted. Please keep a close eye on your children and be very careful with the hot wax. Please deposit your candles and candle holders in the baskets at the doors as you leave during the playing of the Postlude. *CAROL Silent Night, Holy Night STILLE NACHT Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Silent Night! Holy Night! Shepherds quake, at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia.” Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. Silent Night! Holy Night! Son of God, love’s pure Light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth. Silent Night! Holy Night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
Rev. Dr. J. Ben Sloan
*Carol # 113 Angels We Have Heard on High
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION GLORIA
RESPONSE TO THE BENEDICTION AND DISMISSAL CAROL #136 (verses 1 and 2, followed by refrain) GO TELL IT Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Invitation The Christmas Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer The Words of Institution and the Lord’s Supper Musical Meditation O Holy Night
arr. Adolphe Adam Yasmin Bradshaw, soprano
* THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND † THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DETAINED ARE ASKED TO TAKE THEIR SEATS AT THIS TIME
POSTLUDE Joy to the World
arr. Joshua Evanovich
Merry Christmas and Welcome! We Welcome You to the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are blessed to have you here with us and pray that in a deep and abiding way the power of the living God will touch your heart tonight. We Are Grateful for your presence and ask you to register your name in our Friendship Pad found in each pew. If you are looking for a new church home or would like to learn more about Eastminster Presbyterian Church, please feel free to join us. Start the New Year Out Well! Journey Through the Bible Continues - After immersing ourselves in the history and theology of Israel throughout the Fall, the Journey Through the Bible is moving into the Gospel according to Matthew in the New Year. Between the focus texts and the daily readings, the congregation has the opportunity to read and reflect on Matthew in its entirety between now and Easter. Join us for Sundays@5 beginning January 8 and WE@EPC evening classes on January 11. Christmas morning, December 25, we will have ONE worship service at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. This service will be laden with Christmas hymns and fellowship. Christmas Eve Offerings. Loose cash and checks so designated for Eastminster's "Mall to Manger Fund" will benefit Meals on Wheels. Contributions for regular offering or any special initiative should be made payable to EPC with the designation marked on the "for" line to assure clarity. Undesignated checks will go to the regular offering. Offerings will be received on December 25. If you are unable to be present, your contributions must be received at the church by 4 pm on December 30, or postmarked by December 31, in order to receive a tax deduction in 2022. If you are sending stock, please notify the treasurer’s office for instructions and to ensure you receive the proper credit.
First Reading: Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 2The
people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. ...6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Second Reading: Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Third Reading: John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The
light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
2023 Pledging - If you have already made your pledge, thank you! If you have not yet pledged, please do! Your estimate of giving can help you to plan financially, and the church as well. You may pledge online, by email, or with a pledge card available in the narthex. Office Hours - The church office will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 1, 2023. Church offices will be open Tuesday, December 27, through Friday, December 30, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Christian Life Center (CLC) will be closed on Monday, December 26, and Monday, January 1, 2023. The CLC will be open Tuesday, December 27, through Friday, December 30, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Special Thanks - Thank you to the many people whose love and hard work have helped to make this evening a delight. Thank you to: the Flower Guild and Decoration Team; the musicians for the lovely music; the Ushers and Elders for serving tonight; the Greeters for welcoming ; and all whose efforts have added to this sacred season and holy night.
¹ © PUBLIC DOMAIN CCLI LICENSE NO. 1892950
MINISTERS—ALL OF US! STAFF
Dr. Bradley D. Smith, Pastor Dr. Douglass D. Key, Senior Associate Pastor Rev. Nicholas P. Demuynck, Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. Carol J. Byrd, Parish Associate Fredna Lee, Director of Music Ministry Bethany Parker, Director of Middle School Youth Bill Collins, Business Manager Christy Rippy, Treasurer Emmet Hough, Dir. of Christian Life Center
Rev. Brian J. Marsh, Associate Pastor Rev. W. Croskeys Royall, Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Ben Sloan, Interim Parish Associate Josh Evanovich, Organist Anna Mills Cox, Sr. Communications Officer Blythe Lewis, Director of Communications Caroline Bennett, Small Groups Dir./Librarian Alex Rogers, Director of Plant Operations
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who worship with us this blessed night from Eastminster’s staff.